LOVE Island fans have blasted Joey Essex as a “bully” as they slammed him for “picking on Grace” during last night’s challenge.
As each individual couple went head-to-head, the former exes found themselves aiming digs at one another as Joey claimed that Grace still had feelings for him, despite his new romance with Jessy.
Joey slammed Grace for trying to ruin his new romance by being best friends with Jessy.
The reality star took multiple swipes at her, saying he was convinced she still fancied him and noticed her doing “things around the villa” that hinted she was still interested.
But when Grace called him out on his claims during the challenge and then later that evening at the fire pit, Joey struggled to back himself up and told her to not bring up the “nitty gritty” details.
Now fans are convinced that Joey’s shock outburst was down to his over-inflated ego – as he watches his ex and new love interest get on.
One viewer wrote: “Joey is so mad that Grace and Jessy don’t hate each other over him.”
Another fumed: “SERIOUSLY THE PRODUCERS NEED TO SPEAK TO JOEY ABOUT HIS BEHAVIOUR #BULLYING”
“The way he treats her is abusive. It’s unacceptable,” a third said.
A fourth said: “Joey and his management team went in there thinking he was going to come out smelling of roses but it really has turned out the opposite!”
Someone else echoed: “Joey seems so abusive to Grace I dread to think how he treats his other exes or girlfriends. Grace handled this so well.”
This person agreed and shared: “He cannot take the rejection. Massive ego, no sense whatsoever. Child.”
While another added: “Joey ego is dangerous.”
The row kicked off when Grace was asked to declare which boy she would couple up with if she was not dating Reuben.
Grace opted to pick Josh but this move triggered Joey.
“I feel like if Grace was being totally honest she would’ve written my name,” Joey said.
“Stop trying to mix the pot, it’s so boring,” Grace hit back.
As the game continued, Jessy revealed that ex-Towie star Joey doesn’t like her friendship with Grace.
“He doesn’t like me being friends with Grace,” she said.
“It’s giving Joey’s not over the situation with Grace…you’re so bothered about it,” Matilda Draper chipped in.
But Joey hit back and called Matilda a “cop out” which infuriated her.
They later cleared the air but Matilda warned him not to ever call her that again as her opinions were valid.
